As of late, I find myself becoming increasingly wrapped up in worrying about my future. You see, I’m sort of in a predicament: I’m graduating from college in less than one year and I’m not sure what comes next.

My dream would be to go back abroad. My heart is calling for me to go back to London, or maybe somewhere else in the U.K., and pursue graduate school. Then there’s this logical part of me, coaxed and fueled by my dad, which is looking at the large sum of debt I've already accrued and sees no other option than going right into the workplace.

As much as I would love to leave the country, or even just my parents' house, and avoid responsibilities for a while, I’ve (almost, kind of, sort of,) come to terms with the fact that I just might not be in the financial position to do that—yet.

I think it’s really easy to get wrapped up in everyone telling you that you can do things.

I get a lot of that from friends and family who never really got to pursue their dreams, and don’t want to see me go through the same thing. I’m constantly being told I should just go for it, do it, but I’ve noticed that the people giving me this advice aren’t the ones who will deal with the consequences if this “it” goes south.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, just about every store has at least one pillow with the saying “Carpe Diem” printed on it and there are far too many posts on social media letting you know that “you can do it!”-- again, no matter what this elusive “it” is.

That’s great. It really is- except when you can’t do “it.”

Decorative canvases and emblazoned pencils that motivate you and fill you with blind hope can all seem like a great idea, but they aren’t the voice of reason, and you shouldn’t always listen to them.

Just to be clear, this isn’t me telling you to give up on your dreams. This is me telling you to really look at what you want in life. Think about it.

Compartmentalize your life and figure out what you want from each and every part of it.

Figure out what your dreams really are.

Narrow them down.

Now for the hard part-- evaluate your dreams.

Look at what you want to do and what you want to achieve and ask yourself if it’s reasonable. (Look away from the cliché notepad that is telling you anything is possible. That’s a lie.)

It’s great to be optimistic. It’s great to be a gung-ho go-getter, but it’s also really important to be a realist.

I hate to break it to you, but the world has been lying to you. You can’t do everything you set your mind to. It might seem harsh, but that’s life, and you really should have seen that one coming.

Anyway, conversely, if you look at your dreams, and you realize that there’s a chance you can make them come true, focus on that. Don’t let go of that real, concrete hope, no matter how small and insignificant it might seem.

Sometimes your dreams are possible, but maybe not within reach just yet. When this happens, know that it’s okay to put your dreams on hold. Doing this isn’t the end of the world, though it is a lot less exciting to map out a five year plan for your dreams rather than just winging it.

But recognize that things don’t always happen according to plan, and you may not always be in the best financial/emotional/etc. position to reach for the stars, so wait for a time when you are.

Don’t give up on your dreams just because you have to fight for them, but be smart about going after your dreams. Wait if you have to, compromise if you have to, but don’t give up.

It’s not okay to forget your dreams, or to lose your drive.

Choose the dreams, goals and aspirations that truly matter, and figure out which of those are attainable. Be realistic, but also be hopeful, and go all in, wholeheartedly, on the dreams you’ve chosen.